Victor Matfield has made the shortlist for the 2010 IRB Player of the Year.

Richie McCaw and Mils Muliaina (both New Zealand), Imanol Harinordoquy (France), and Australian pair David Pocock and Kurtley Beale are also in the running.

The nominees were selected by the IRB Awards independent panel of judges, chaired by John Eales, following a year-long review of all Test matches and thorough consultation and deliberation. The panel comprises Will Greenwood, Gavin Hastings, Raphaël Ibanez, Francois Pienaar, Agustín Pichot, Scott Quinnell, Tana Umaga, and Paul Wallace.

The winner will be announced on 1 December, along with the IRB Coach of the Year and IRB Team of the Year.